With backpacking and shorter getaways becoming more popular amongst travellers, it's never been more important to find the perfect carry-on to bring along on your travels. Whether you're looking for a smarter option to upgrade that old backpack you've been lugging around, or trying to challenge yourself by hopping on the 'onebag' trend, getting a good carry-on can be the key to unlocking your perfect trip experience.
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Beyond using packing cubes, vacuum ziplocks, and Marie Kondo-esque tips and tricks, these are the 14 cabin-sized luggages perfect as a carry-on for every traveller!
P.S. Not sure if you're ready to go cabin-only but still looking for something lightweight? Check out these top 8 lightweight luggages you've got to get for your next trip!
Hardshell Luggages
1. Herschel's Trade Luggage
Credit: @hlstore on Instagram
Are you surprised to see Herschel on this list? They might be more famous for their backpacks (and they do have some wheeled options for those!) but this Canadian company has a travel-ready line too. The Trade even comes with a TSA-approved lock and Herschel signatures such as a striped inner lining fabric and an embossed rubber diamond label.
P.S. Remember to keep your carry-on luggage safe with these safety tips!
Exterior Material: Molded ABS
Interior: 2 main compartments with zippered mesh divider
Measurements: 54.61cm x 35.56cm x 22.86cm
Price: From SGD329.90 onwards
Where to buy: Herschel online store or physical stores and stockists
2. Delsey's Chatelet Air 55cm Slim Cabin Case
Credit: @allbagsbr on Instagram
We know there’s a number of fashionistas by heart ? If form over function is your life motto, well, this bag gives you both! The Delsey Chatelet collection completes your airport runway look while ensuring your clothes too, are safely (and stylishly) kept. Best of all, it's cabin-friendly so you won't even have to check it in!
Exterior Material: 100% Virgin polycarbonate
Interior: 2 main compartments with a zippered pocket
Measurements: 55cm x 35cm x 25cm (Other items in the Chatelet line have varied dimensions)
Price: From SGD336.67 or MYR1,019.85 onwards (Amazon)
Where to buy: Chatelet physical stores and stockists (Malaysia & Singapore)
3. American Tourister's Curio/Cresta Spinner
Credit: @americantouristermalaysia on Instagram
American Tourister's Spinner series (especially the Curio and Cresta models) is perfect for the trendy traveller who wants to pack for a short trip without having to worry about anything. The hardshell exterior and TSA-compliant lock make it a reliable companion for even the roughest of activities, and the boxy design gives you plenty of space for all of your essentials. American Tourister's website even includes which airlines' carry-on requirements each bag fulfils so you won't be caught off-guard!
Exterior Material: Polyester blend
Interior: 2 main compartments, some models come with interior pockets for organization
Measurements: 55cm x 39cm x 23cm or 55cm x 40cm x 20cm
Price:From USD74.36 onwards
Where to buy: American Tourister or Samsonite official brand outlets
4. Samsonite's Enwrap Spinner 55/20 Exp
Credit: @lafayettejkt on Instagram
Who can forget Samsonite if you're talking about luggage? The brand's a reliable classic, and the bright sheen of the Enwrap Spinner's exterior will ensure that you'll leave a stunning impression wherever you go. The polycarbonate material is light too, meaning you won't have too much trouble lifting it into an overhead bin or luggage rack, or off the conveyer belt even after it's been loaded up with souvenirs for your trip back.
P.S. The bag comes in 2 larger models (68/25 and 75/28), however they may not be cabin-compatible.
Exterior Material: Polycarbonate (PC)
Interior: 2 main compartments with zipper pockets for organization
Measurements: 55cm x 36cm x 24cm
Price: From SGD336 or MYR909.30 onwards
Where to buy: Samsonite online site or physical stores (Singapore & Malaysia)
Rolling Luggages
5. Travelon's 84043 18" Wheeled Carry-On
Credit: @forouzan.zad on Instagram
If you're looking for something small that fits underneath an airplane seat for your next long weekend adventure, you can turn right to Travelon for the perfect carry-on! The 18" is not only convenient to lug around with its wheels and extendable handle, but the exterior zip pockets make it convenient to access your laptop or tablet even when you're on a plane. Travelon's signature anti-theft measures are also woven directly into the bag, including slash-resistance, RFID blocking, and locking compartments for extra security.
#HHWT Tip: Travelon also makes excellent crossbody bags with the same anti-theft features - perfect for roaming the streets! Check them out here along with 12 more stylish crossbody and sling bags that'll be the perfect addition to your holiday wardrobe.
Exterior Material: 1680 D. Polyester
Interior: 1 main compartment, interior pockets and a mesh pocket for storage, exterior slide pocket
Measurements: 35.56cm x 45.72cm x 22.86cm
Price: From USD115.50 onwards
Where to buy: Travelon online site
6. Patagonia's Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 40L
Credit: Patagonia
The smallest of Patagonia's Black Hole duffels, the 40L is one of the most spacious bags on this list - without sacrificing that carry-on convenience! Patagonia is famous for their products' durability, rugged charm, and commitment to eco-friendly production - the entire bag is made out of 100% recycled material from the exterior to the lining. If you're a fan of the outdoors and want a bag that can go from cabin to cliff without any worry, tis bag is the one for you!
Exterior Material: Recycled polyester ripstop with weather-resistant TPU-film laminate
Interior: 1 main compartment, external zipper pocket for easy access, and interior mesh pockets
Measurements: 54.86cm x 35.56cm x 24.13cm
Price: From USD299 onwards
Where to buy: Patagonia online site or physical stores and stockists
7. Eastpak's Tranverz
Credit: @rayondorbagages on Instagram
Eastpak is a popular choice for functional, sleek, and sturdy luggage and their Tranverz line is perfect for those travelling light. The XS, S, H, and CNNCT sizes are all suitable for carry-on luggage - perfect for a short professional or work trip overseas! Though the bags are compact, they can hold at least a day or two's worth of clothes as well, so you can make sure you have an extra set on-hand in case your checked luggage gets delayed or lost.
Exterior Material: 100% Polyester
Interior:
H - Internal organizer and zippered compartment, padded sleeve fits up to 34x34cm laptop
XS, S, CNNCT - 2 main compartments (similar to regular-sized luggage)
Measurements: From 40.5cm x 45cm x 17cm (H) to 51cm x 32.5cm x 25cm (CNNCT)
Price:From USD101 onwards
Where to buy: Travel/sports megastores such as World of Sports, or Eastpak official brand outlets
8. Timbuk2's Never Check 4-Wheel Spinner
Credit: @timbuk2 on Instagram
Timbuk2 is a well-known name amongst travellers - their bags are tough yet have a clean look, and added features such as conveniently-placed pockets makes travelling a breeze too. The Never Check 4-Wheel Spinner is the perfect bag for any urban adventurer, even coming with a dedicated laptop sleeve that can fit up to 13" laptops! And as the name says, you'll not have to worry about needing to check it in, as it fits most carry-on size requirements worldwide.
Exterior Material: Wipeable
Interior: 1 main compartment, 1 external laptop pocket (up to 13-inch), internal pockets
Measurements: 55cm x 36cm x 18cm
Price: From USD299 onwards
Where to buy: Timbuk2 online site, or at physical stores and stockists (Singapore & Malaysia)
9. Baggallini's carry-on luggage
Credit: @baggallini on Instagram
Baggallini was founded by former flight attendants - so you know that their bags will be ready-made and excellent for any flight! Their carry-on-sized luggages come in 3 sizes, suitable for anything from a 2-day overnight stay to a 5-day vacation. Simple yet classy, each bag comes with spinner or 360-degree wheels to guarantee a smooth and worry-free experience. The smallest model (2-Wheel Underseat Carry-On) even has an integrated charging port to keep you connected throughout your trip!
Exterior Material: Water-resistant nylon
Interior: 1 main compartment, 1 back zippered pocket, interior and exterior pockets for organization
Measurements: From 36.83cm x 38.1cm x 21.59cm to 35.56 cm x 55.88cm x 22.86cm (4-Wheel 22" Carry-On)
Price: From USD104.97 onwards
Where to buy: Baggallini's online store
Duffels & Backpacks
10. Fjällräven's Splitpack
Credit: @klobbersklothing on Instagram
Fjällräven is another brand known for their eco-friendly approach to apparel, bags, and accessories. Their splitpack has a unique two-compartment structure that zips into a duffel-backpack hybrid. The splitpack is definitely a great choice if you're venturing into the outdoors, or going to a particularly wet or rainy destination. The exterior has been waxed with the company's custom Greenland Wax so you won't have to worry about your clothes or tech gear getting soaked even if the weather changes!
Exterior Material: G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco (recycled polyester/organic cotton)
Interior: 2 main compartments with zippered mesh
Measurements: From 36.83cm x 38.1cm x 21.59cm to 35.56 cm x 55.88cm x 22.86cm (4-Wheel 22" Carry-On)
Price: From USD175 onwards
Where to buy: Fjällräven's online store or physical stores and stockists
11. & 12. Fossil's Buckner Convertible Backpack & Defender Duffle
Credit: @luckybags_us.ori on Instagram
Fossil has made it onto our list of the best crossbody bags for travellers before, but their other travel luggage is just as durable, practical and sleek! The Buckner Convertible Backpack is great for a short weekend getaway, with enough space for a change of clothes, water bottle, toiletries kit, and even a small mirrorless camera if you fancy!
Credit: Fossil on Facebook
If you're looking for more space, you might also consider their Defender Duffle which comfortably expands to fit a weekend's worth of clothes (including shoes!), a laptop, and more. Whether you're travelling for business or leisure, Fossil's bags will definitely add a sophisticated touch to your wardrobe.
Exterior Material:
Buckner Convertible - 100% Nylon/Polyurethane Trim
Defender Duffle - Leather
Interior:
Buckner Convertible - 1 large interior compartment, 1 padded laptop pocket, 1 exterior zipper pocket
Defender Duffle - 1 large interior compartment, 2 exterior slide pockets, 1 zipper pocket
Measurements:
Buckner Convertible - 12"L x 3"W x 16"H (30.48cm x 7.62cm x 40.64cm)
Defender Duffle - 20" L x 10" W x 13" H (50.8cm x 25.4cm x 33.02cm)
Price: From USD198 (Backpack) and USD398 (Duffle) onwards
Where to buy: Fossil online site, or at physical stores (Malaysia and Singapore)
13. Cabin Zero's Classic
Credit: @maslight on Instagram
Cabin Zero's name tells you all you'll need to know about this British brand - all of their products are suitable as carry-on items! Their Classic is the original cabin-friendly backpack, coming in 3 sizes and over 20 colour-ways to fit any type of trip or traveller. Whether you're sliding it underneath the airplane seat in front of you, or hauling it onto a train rack above your head, the Classic is great for any adventure.
#HHWT Tip: Thinking about going backpack-only but still on the fence? This article will help you decide if you should stick to luggage or switch over to backpacks!
Exterior Material: Water-resistant
Interior: 1 large front-loading compartment, with some sleeves/pockets for organization inside
Measurements: From 39cm x 29.5cm x 20cm to 54cm x 35cm x 20cm (Classic Plus/Classic Pro versions)
Price: From SGD115/MYR345 onwards
Where to buy: Cabin Zero's online store (free worldwide shipping) or in stockists (Singapore only)
14. Tom Bihn's Aeronaut 30
Credit: @panda2mama on Instagram
Tom Bihn is a popular name amongst travellers who like to pack light - and the Aeronaut 30 is a classic piece for anyone who wants to tackle the world head on. With interior compression straps that will help you squeeze even thicker sweaters and jackets into your pack, this is one of the best choices for a traveller who's looking to lighten their load and still look smart.
#HHWT Tip: Looking for more backpacks? Check out these 8 options perfect for every explorer!
Exterior Material: High-tenacity ballistic nylon or ultralight nylon ripstop
Interior: 1 main compartment, 2 large side pockets, 1 interior zippered pocket
Measurements: From 50cm x 32cm x 20cm
Price: From USD290 onwards
Where to buy: Tom Bihn's online store
Hopefully this list has inspired you to change it up with your carry-on luggage! Whether you're looking for a compact option for a business trip or just looking to save some money on checked luggage, these compact carry-ons are perfect for every occasion!